Owners of hotels, restaurants and bars in the country have been called upon to stand up for the rights of children and report those who try to use their facilities to violate rights of minors.

The call was made, yesterday, during a meeting that brought together hoteliers and Police in Huye District.

The meeting was part of the Rwanda National Police (RNP)’s ongoing awareness campaign against child abuse.

Inspector of Police Rukundo Mucyo, the District Community Liaison Officer of Huye, said such hospitality facilities are used by some people to seduce and violate the rights of children offering them alcoholic drinks and other things to entice them.

"Don’t give room for anyone to offer alcoholic drinks to minors or anything unlawful in your bars, restaurants and hotels because the law prohibits that and it applies to you as well,” IP Rukundo said.

"Some people might want to use your facilities to sexually abuse minors, which you shouldn’t allow. Yes, this is business but it should not be used as an excuse to promote criminality. We urge you to be partners in enforcing the law and report to Police the moment you notice some people trying to use your facilities in such unlawful manner that violates and undermines the rights of others.”

He further reminded them to record well particulars of their clients, which facilitates investigations in case an offence is committed.

He observed that human traffickers might as well want to use hotels as meeting points with the targets, adding that in case they suspect that, they should be quick to inform police.

Meanwhile, IP Rukundo also warned against buying meat from unknown sources.

"In most cases, you find that these are stolen cattle and other domestic animals, which thieves slaughter and sell to owners of hotels, bars and restaurants,” he said.

The meeting was also attended by local leaders in the area who echoed the same message and challenged the hoteliers to revamp their services and be partners in community policing.

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